Mobile Device Management (MDM)
What It Means To You
Over the years, computers have gotten smaller, faster, more powerful, less expensive and capable of storing more data than ever before. With all the capabilities of today’s smartphones and tablets, they are practically computers as well and are being used regularly at work. The compact size of these devices makes them much easier to lose or steal than desktop or laptop computers and applications can grant access to large amounts of data, some of which could be sensitive. To minimize the risks involved when using these small, powerful devices, the Health Science Center is implementing mobile device management (MDM) for university-owned devices.
So, what does MDM mean for the user?
MDM enables many features and auto-configures others so the device is secured when you start using it.
- Passcodes are enforced on tablets and smartphones. This turns on encryption, protecting the contents of the device in case it is lost or stolen.
- If a user forgets their password, it can be reset remotely.
- The user’s email, contacts, and calendar are auto-configured so the information is immediately available.
- The device’s wireless connectivity is also auto-configured. This allows the device to automatically connect to the university’s wireless network at all locations.
- The user may be required to connect to internal university information resources, so the Health Science Center’s virtual private network (VPN) is installed, auto-configured, and ready for use.
- As applications are developed for university mobile devices, MDM will be able to distribute and publish them automatically.
- In the event the device is lost or stolen:
- The university will be able to use MDM to locate the device. This is similar to Apple’s “Find My iPhone” feature, but only for university use.
- As added protection, MDM is able to wipe all data from the device, or only wipe selected profile data.